Environmental Myopia

Excerpts from a memo from the Armchair Curmudgeon:


I think we must remember that the playing field has been slanted for longer than any of us might imagine. The simple fact of the matter is that it is always harder to reverse the forces of inertia especially when money and power are involved especially when there is no transparency and there are hidden agendas..

What we must acknowledge is that the powers that be have had thirty years to influence and shape thinking and formulate policy for their own advantage, and in Delaware, the absence of checks and balances and the rule of obfuscation dominate which operates at the people's loss. It is time to jetison politics that are not in the public interest and reflect Antideluvian predilections. We must as the court of last resort show our mettle. Further, we must be cognizant of the fact that we are at a pivotal point where rationality and good sense are starting to push through the fog of ignorance that seems to surround these issues.

I think we have an opportunity here to show real leadership by making it very clear to legislators that a vote for coal is a vote for the past, a vote for a lack of vision and a blindness to what the facts report.

I think it is time to petition the Governor that there is too much here to second guess the public's wishes and intent. We might consider joining forces and forming small units within groups to accomplish specific objectives. What about a documentary about what we have found? Could we not find a film graduate who is seeking to gain recognition? We need still to educate the public as to the great challenges that these choices represent. We must in fact interrupt the inertia that would have us accept something that is knowingly damaging and destructive to not only our State but our individual health and the "wellness" of the planet over the long term.

However, on the other hand, Governor Minner has an opportunity to realize her legacy as a progressive Governor who can rise above pedestrian thinking to consider the best solution for Delaware and the planet. It is very clear that no species survives by polluting its home and habitat. With strong editorial coverage and our unwillingness to let things slide, we can make a difference that will decide the future. The Governor can ill afford to ignore momentum for change.

Les Aaron
THE ARMCHAIR CURMUDGEON